Explore top bitter gourd (karela) seed varieties in India with high yield, disease resistance, and market-preferred fruit shapes for profitable farming.
🥒 Introduction:
Bitter gourd, or Karela (Momordica charantia), is a widely consumed summer vegetable in India known for its medicinal and nutritional value. It thrives in warm climates and offers good returns due to its consistent demand across local and export markets. Choosing the right seed variety is crucial for obtaining high yields, uniform fruits, and resistance to pests like fruit flies and powdery mildew. In this article, we highlight the top bitter gourd seed varieties in India that are best suited for commercial cultivation, home gardens, and organic farming.
1. Arka Harit
- Features:
- Spindle-shaped fruits with glossy green color.
- Small-sized fruits with smooth regular ribs.
- Crop duration: 100–110 days.
- Average yield: 12 tons per hectare.
- Ideal for: Farmers focusing on pest control and consistent yields.
- Buy: HERE
2. Phule Priyanka
- Features:
- Hybrid variety with dark green fruits, 20–25 cm long with tubercles.
- Average yield: 35–40 tons per hectare.
- Ideal for: High-yield farming.
3. Pusa Do Mausmi
- Features:
- Suitable for spring-summer and rainy seasons.
- Dark green, long medium-thick, club-shaped fruits with 7–8 continuous ridges.
- Edible in 55 days from sowing.
- Ideal for: Farmers seeking dual-season cultivation.
4. Priya Hybrid
- Features:
- Elongated fruits with dark green skin.
- Suitable for warmer climates.
- Best for: Southern Indian states like Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh.
5. Nunhems Rushaan F1
- Features:
- High-yielding hybrid variety.
- Resistant to leaf curl virus and powdery mildew.
- Dark green, spindle-shaped fruits, 12–14 cm in length.
- Maturity period: 52–55 days.
- Ideal for: Growers seeking disease-resistant and high-yielding varieties.
6. Boss F1 Hybrid
- Features:
- Early maturity with high yield potential.
- Fruits are 22–27 cm long, green-colored, with an average weight of 75–80 grams.
- First harvest in 52–57 days.
- Longer shelf life.
- Ideal for: Farmers aiming for early harvest and extended shelf life.
- Source: Shakti Vardhak Hybrid Seeds
🌱 Top Bitter Gourd (Karela) Seed Varieties in India – Comparison Table
| Variety | Type | Fruit Characteristics | Days to First Harvest | Best Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pusa Do Mausami | Open Pollinated | Medium-long, dark green, high yield | 55–60 days | Open field cultivation |
| Arka Harit | Open Pollinated | Spindle-shaped, attractive green fruits | 50–55 days | Kitchen gardening |
| Preethi (IET) | Hybrid | Short internodes, uniform dark green fruits | 45–50 days | Commercial farming |
| Priya (IIHR) | Hybrid | Long, dark green, tender fruits | 50–55 days | Fresh market, export |
| CO 1 | Open Pollinated | White fruit type, suited for niche markets | 55–60 days | Specialty farming |
| Phule Ujwala | Open Pollinated | Long fruits, good vine vigor | 50–55 days | Rainy season farming |
🧑🌾 Organic Bitter Gourd Cultivation Guide – India
📍 1. Sowing Season
- North India: February–March (summer) and June–July (monsoon)
- South India: Almost year-round; avoid peak winter
🌿 2. Soil & Preparation
- Soil Type: Sandy loam, well-drained
- pH Range: 6.0–7.0
- Apply 20–25 tons FYM per acre and compost enriched with Trichoderma
🌱 3. Sowing & Planting
- Seed Rate: 2.5–3 kg per acre
- Spacing: 1.5–2 m between rows, 60 cm between plants
- Soak seeds in warm water or cow urine for faster germination
🐛 4. Organic Pest & Disease Management
| Problem | Organic Solution |
|---|---|
| Fruit fly | Use pheromone traps, neem cake in soil |
| Powdery mildew | Spray diluted cow milk + turmeric weekly |
| Aphids/mites | Neem oil spray (5 ml/litre) + garlic extract |
💧 5. Irrigation & Training
- Irrigate every 5–7 days (avoid overwatering)
- Train vines on bamboo or wire trellises for better air circulation and yield
✂️ 6. Harvesting
- First harvest begins 45–60 days after sowing
- Harvest every 2–3 days to maintain quality and encourage fruiting
- Tender, uniform fruits fetch better market price
📦 Trusted Sources for Bitter Gourd Seeds in India
| Supplier | Website/Contact | Popular Varieties |
|---|---|---|
| IIHR / ICAR Institutes | iihr.res.in | Arka Harit, Priya, Preethi |
| Ugaoo / KisanMandi | ugaoo.com | Hybrid and OP varieties |
| AgriBegri / Beejwala | agribegri.com | F1 hybrid and desi karela seeds |
| Navdanya / Sahaja Seeds | navdanya.org | Desi heirloom bitter gourd seeds |
Growing Tips for Bitter Gourd
- Soil: Well-drained sandy loam or loamy soil with a pH of 6.0–6.7.
- Climate: Warm and humid conditions are ideal.
- Sowing Time: Best sown during spring-summer and rainy seasons.
- Spacing: Maintain a spacing of 1.5–2.0 meters between rows and 0.6–1.2 meters between plants.
- Support: Provide trellis or support for vine growth.
- Harvesting: Fruits are ready for harvest 55–60 days after sowing.
Bitter gourd is rich in nutrients and has various health benefits, including blood sugar regulation and liver detoxification. Incorporating it into your garden can provide both culinary and medicinal advantages.
🍃 Summary
Bitter gourd is a profitable, low-maintenance crop when grown with the right variety. Whether you’re aiming for kitchen gardening or large-scale export, the top bitter gourd seed varieties in India offer the ideal mix of fruit quality, yield potential, and disease resistance. Paired with organic practices, these varieties ensure consistent returns and soil sustainability.
If you need further assistance or information on other vegetable seed varieties, feel free to ask!
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